Jon Santana Signs With Prescription Songs

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Pictured (L-R): Rachel Wein, Alexa Stallings, Katie Fagan, Jon Santana, Andrea Quezada, Derek Gridley

Prescription Songs has signed producer Jon Santana.

Santana moved to Nashville in 2015 and started working with local pop breakouts Peter Manos and Cappa, whose collaboration on a “No Scrubs” cover garnered almost 8 million Spotify streams and placement in Forever 21 and Zara stores nationwide.

Santana’s own song “NY90” off his debut EP And There They Were, placed on Spotify Viral Charts in the U.S, Canada, Germany, Norway and Poland. He has had sync placements on MTV and VH1, and recently released his song “Galaxy” via Majestic Casual Records. He is prepping for the release of his next single, which will be an overseas hip-hop collaboration.

“I’m really excited to continue to make music with the support of Katie and Rachel and the rest of the amazing Rx team,” said Santana.

JD Groover Joins Sea Gayle Music As Creative Director

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JD Groover

Sea Gayle Music has added JD Groover to their creative team as Creative Director.

The Kingsland, Georgia native got his start in the music scene by running the Tifton, Georgia music venue, The Gin. In 2014, Groover worked as tour manager for Jon Langston and has been critical in the success of Langston’s singles and signing with Kerri Edwards at KP Entertainment.

“We are elated to have JD join Sea Gayle” said Sea Gayle Music’s Executive VP/GM Marc Driskill. “His experience within the music world and instinctive direction of hearing hits is such an asset to the team.”

“After my first meeting with Sea Gayle, I knew it was a perfect fit. I’ve always wanted to take a step in the publishing world,” Groover commented. “I’m excited to be joining the team and for my future with the writers and creative team. I’m glad Sea Gayle is letting me chase this dream.”

Bobby Karl Works The Room: CRS New Faces Of Country Music Show

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Carly Pearce. Photo: CRS Instagram

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 585

If the 2018 New Faces Show at CRS represents the future of country music, then that future contains very good artists, if no actual superstars.

All five of the showcasing artists were solid talents. But there was no Cinderella moment when we witnessed a star being born.

The act who came closest to capturing the hearts and minds of the radio taste makers was Lauren Alaina. The young, big-voiced belter is rapidly evolving from being a pageant singer to being a vocalist of true nuance and finesse.

She sang her breakthrough No. 1 hit, the rocking and repetitive “The Road Less Travelled.” It vividly illustrates that she knows how to craft a killer chorus. Next, she needs to work on creating verses.

Lauren also performed what was arguably the evening’s best song, the autobiographical “Three.” This soaring, inspiring number was her opening song, and it had the crowd on its feet by the time she finished it. Her clear, penetrating and supremely assured voice was also effectively showcased on her current single, “Doin’ Fine.”

Luke Combs. Photo: CRS Instagram

Luke Combs was the show’s closing act. He was the evening’s most solidly “country” vocalist, which was particularly evident on his mash-up of the two stepper “Honky Tonk Highway” with “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”

Luke’s wry and winning No. 1 hit “When It Rains It Pours” bubbled with energy. He presented his current single, the lovelorn “One Number Away,” as well as his career-launching chart-topper “Hurricane.”

Handsome and charming Michael Ray also had two chart toppers in his arsenal, his energetic set kick-off “Kiss You in the Morning” and the churning and blazing “Think a Little Less.” Sitting alone with his guitar, he also introduced a new heartache ballad, “Her World Or Mine.” By the way, Michael is a real “give back” guy who donates his time and talents to many charities.

The new trio Midland repeatedly emphasized its Texas roots, but still sounded like creamy-smooth, California country-rockers. The group came out swinging with its dynamic “Make a Little.” The easy-going, western vibe of “Burn Out” was right up the group’s alley, since it emphasized the trio’s strengths, strong melodies and fine vocal harmonies.

Midland closed with its breakthrough No. 1 hit, the inescapably catchy “Drinkin’ Problem.”

Winsome Carly Pearce had the unenviable job of opening the New Faces Show. But she demonstrated vocal confidence, effective stagecraft and admirable pluck.

In addition, her funky, groove-soaked “Hide the Wine” was the finest of the new singles showcased during the evening. It even outshone her outstanding No. 1 smash “Every Little Thing.”

She summed up what every one of the New Faces was thinking by saying to the radio folks, “You guys came together and believed in me. All I’ve ever wanted to do in the whole world is to sing country music. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is such an honor to stand on this stage tonight.”

Lauren Alaina. Photo: CRS Instagram

A who’s who of fabulons attended – John Esposito, George Briner, Chris Farren, Scott Hendricks, Rob Simbeck, Diane Pearson, Gator Harrison, Daniel Hill, George Walker IV, Lori Badgett, Fred Vail, Cindy Watts, B.J. Hill and the ubiquitous Dennis Banka for starters.

Clay Myers had the talented Nora Collins in tow. Melanie Howard was introducing folks to the talented Heidi Raye. Country hunk Travis Rice worked the room solo.

Schmoozing up a storm were Bobby Bones, Royce Risser, Lisa Lee, Wes Vause, David Preston, Chuck Dauphin, Jimmy Harnen, Melinda Newman, Cody Alan, Jennifer Meyer, Ben Vaughn, Mike Sherry, Big John Bowen and Phyllis Stark. MusicRow greats Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker, Alex Kobrick and Haley Crow shared a table.

We dined on moist baked, herbed chicken quarters with polenta and roasted cauliflower, carrots and broccoli. Chocolate mousse cups were the delectable desserts.

The ACM announced its radio-award nominees and Country AirCheck presented its kudos during the banquet.

Jameson Rodgers entertained during the cocktail reception. He had a cool, rocking, blue-collar country sound, which was unfortunately amped up too loud.

Midland. Photo: CRS Instagram

Michael Ray. Photo: CRS Instagram

Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Jamey Johnson Set For ‘Johnny Cash: Forever Words’ Project

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A new album, Johnny Cash: Forever Words, featuring Cash’s unknown poetry, lyrics, and letters set to music is set for release April 6 on Legacy Recordings. The album features performances of this new Cash material by a selection of artists including Chris Cornell, Ruston Kelly & Kacey Musgraves, Rosanne Cash, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Kris Kristofferson & Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, John Mellencamp, Carlene Carter, Elvis Costello, The Jayhawks, and more. The 16-song album will be available on CD, vinyl and digitally. 

When Johnny and June passed, they left behind what son and album co-producer John Carter Cash describes as a “monstrous amassment” of things, including a treasure trove of undiscovered material that includes Johnny’s handwritten letters, poems and documents, penned across the entirety of his life. Over the past two years, John Carter Cash and producer Steve Berkowitz invited a stellar cast of musicians to create new music to accompany these newly discovered Cash writings.

“Determining the artist for each song was truly a matter of the heart,” said John Carter Cash. “I picked the artists who are most connected with my father, who had a personal story that was connected with Dad. It became an exciting endeavor to go through these works, to put them together and present them to different people who could finish them in a way that I believed that Dad would have wanted.”

Recorded primarily at The Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Johnny Cash: Forever Words, is also the musical companion to the best-selling “Forever Words: The Unknown Poems,” a volume of Cash’s unpublished writing edited by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon and curated by John Carter Cash and Steve Berkowitz.

Many of the album’s songs were directly inspired by material in the book, while others are drawn from different sources of Cash’s writings. The tone of the album is established with the opening track “Forever/I Still Miss Someone” featuring Kris Kristofferson reciting the last poem Cash ever wrote alongside guitar accompaniment from Willie Nelson, both lifelong friends of Johnny. The deeply personal “To June This Morning,” is a letter Johnny wrote to his wife, June Carter Cash, now interpreted by real-life couple Ruston Kelly and Kacey Musgraves. The album also includes a piece from Rosanne Cash, who interpreted her father’s “The Walking Wounded,” marking just the second time that she has collaborated on a record with her half-brother John Carter Cash. John Carter Cash also collaborated with his half-sister Carlene, on “June’s Sundown.”

Johnny Cash: Forever Words Track Listing:
1. Forever/I Still Miss Someone – Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson
2. To June This Morning – Ruston Kelly and Kacey Musgraves
3. Gold All Over the Ground – Brad Paisley
4. You Never Knew My Mind – Chris Cornell
5. The Captain’s Daughter – Alison Krauss and Union Station
6. Jellico Coal Man – T. Bone Burnett
7. The Walking Wounded – Rosanne Cash
8. Them Double Blues – John Mellencamp
9. Body on Body – Jewel
10. I’ll Still Love You – Elvis Costello
11. June’s Sundown – Carlene Carter
12. He Bore It All – Daily and Vincent
13. Chinky Pin Hill – I’m With Her
14. Goin’, Goin’, Gone – Robert Glasper featuring Ro James, and Anu Sun
15. What Would I Dreamer Do? – The Jayhawks
16. Spirit Rider – Jamey Johnson

Dierks Bentley Teams With Flag & Anthem For Desert Son Clothing Line

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Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley has partnered with Flag & Anthem to create an exclusive new lifestyle collection, Desert Son, launching this month. With its name inspired by some of the more autobiographical lyrics off his upcoming ninth studio album, The Mountain, the initial Spring offering will feature primarily men’s items including vintage-washed tees, raglans, hoodies and hats along with a handful of women’s tees. Desert Son will continue to roll-out with 2018 Summer and Fall assortments including button-down shirts, knit tops, denim and jackets. Working alongside his longtime stylist Annie Psaltiras, the two created a line customized to reflect Bentley’s own personal style. Desert Son is now available at retailers including Buckle, Von Maur and Dillard’s and online at flagandanthem.com.

“This has been such a fun thing to create and develop. I love clothes that are perfectly worn-in like you’ve had them a lifetime, but can also take the wear and tear that comes from an active lifestyle,” explained Bentley. “I’ve learned over the last few months that there’s a real art to getting that just right. The Flag & Anthem guys have been doing it at the highest level and have helped me put together a collection that I think is totally authentic to me and one that hopefully people all over the country will dig too.”

“Dierks’ lifestyle perfectly embodies our brand,” said Flag & Anthem co-founder Brad Gartman. “There is a strong synergy between his fans and our customer. We see Dierks and Desert Son as a natural integration with Flag & Anthem and look forward to a long partnership.”

Flag & Anthem is a premium quality Men’s brand that features casual button-downs, elevated knitwear, signature chinos and newly launched woven shirts for women. The brand exemplifies a refined, rugged look with an authentic, vintage aesthetic.

Lee Ann Womack, Randy Rogers Band, Jackie Lee To Play MUSICARES Benefit

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MUSICARES is holding “An Evening of Acoustic Country Music Benefiting Music People in Need,” an event supporting The Recording Academy’s foundation, on April 24 at AJ’s Good Time Bar in Nashville. Lee Ann Womack, Randy Rogers Band, and Jackie Lee will perform acoustically on the third floor of AJ’s Good Time Bar at the event, which is being presented by AJ’s, Gibson Brands, and Shore Fire Media, and fans will be able to view the performances free of charge via live stream on the second floor, which is home to 11 televisions.

A silent auction benefitting MUSICARES will also be held, and all proceeds from ticket sales, plus 10% of all bar receipts, will benefit the organization. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $250, and VIP tickets can be purchased for $500. Capacity is limited. VIP Tickets include a pre-show acoustic set with Jackie Lee, a meet-and-greet with Jackie Lee, the Randy Rogers Band, and Lee Ann Womack, and a private rooftop reception with hosted bar. More ticket information can be found here.

 

In Pictures: Dan+Shay, Chris Janson, Sister Hazel

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“Tequila” Nights With Dan+Shay

Pictured (L-R): Wookie (WDSY), John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville Chairman/CEO), Dan Smyers (Dan + Shay), Scott Hendricks (Warner Music Nashville EVP A&R), Shay Mooney (Dan + Shay), Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville SVP Radio & Streaming), Mark Anderson (WDSY), and Matt Signore (Warner Music Nashville COO). Photo: Courtesy of Warner Music Nashville

Dan + Shay called the shots and poured the shots last night (Feb. 6) as industry guests and Warner Music Nashville executives gathered for a “Tequila” Tasting during CRS. The platinum-selling, chart-topping pair sampled new music for listeners in addition to their fast-rising single, “Tequila,” which has been streamed nearly 10 million times since release.

 

Chris Janson Celebrates At The Opry

Pictured (L-R): Opie Joe (WCYQ); John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville); Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville); Matt Signore (Warner Music Nashville); Danny Montana (WIL); Doug Hamand (Cumulus); Jay Cruze (WBUL); Greg Frey (Cumulus); Chris Janson; (Tom Martens, Warner Music Nashville); Jojo Cerda (KTEX); Gator Harrison (WSIX); Rod Phillips (iHeartRadio); Chris O’Kelly (WKXC)

Chris Janson joined radio friends and industry guests Monday night (Feb. 5) at Legends Corner in Nashville just before his sold-out headlining performance at the Ryman Auditorium. His hour and a half set concluded with a special appearance from country superstar Keith Urban, who helped make one of Janson’s career dreams a reality: an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

 

Sister Hazel Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Pictured (L-R): Jett Beres, Dave LaGrande, Mark Trojanowski, Ryan Newell, Andrew Copeland, Ken Block

Platinum-selling band Sister Hazel had their Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday, Jan. 26. Sister Hazel is kicking off the New Year with a new EP, Water, set for release Feb. 9, 2018. The six-track EP is Volume I of a collectible compilation series titled, “Elements,” and includes a bonus seventh track that will continue throughout the series. “Water” was produced by Sister Hazel and includes writer contributions from Billy Montana, Michael Logen, Neil Carpenter, and more. Fans can pre-order the EP through PledgeMusic HERE and get the instant grat track”Roll on Bye.” In addition to the digital download and CD, this release offers exclusive limited-edition bundles including an Instagram takeover from the band and the opportunity to donate to Lyrics for Life.

 

Bobby Karl Works The Room: 2018 BMLG Luncheon At CRS

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Pictured (back row L-R): Big Machine Records GM Jim Weatherson, BMLG EVP & BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen, CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne, The Valory Music Co. GM George Briner, CRB Board President Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media); (middle row L-R): Drake White, Tyler Rich, Trent Harmon, Brett Young; (front row L-R): Sugarland, BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta, Thomas Rhett. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Any way you look at it, the Big Machine Label Group is red-hot, and the company proved it at its Country Radio Seminar (CRS) luncheon showcase on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

“Thank you for a great 2017,” label CEO Scott Borchetta said to the assembled radio gatekeepers. The company has brought a slew of new hit makers into country music, and judging by its showcase lineup, it is far from finished.

Scott’s surprise opener was Thomas Rhett, whom he described as “the biggest artist in our music today.” Rhett delivered his current heartache ballad “Marry Me” in a stripped-down, semi-acoustic arrangement.

“Thomas Rhett is so on fire,” said Scott. “He’s been writing with Nick Jonas of The Jonas Brothers. I can’t say enough great things about Thomas Rhett.”

Passionate performer Drake White was next. He did “Livin’ the Dream” and then introduced two new tunes. “All Would Be Right With the World” was a sweet message song. “Girl In Pieces” was a summer-sounding toe tapper about healing a gal’s wounded soul.

Newcomer Tyler Rich performed with just his own guitar accompaniment. “Adrenaline” was a romantic power ballad. His forthcoming single “The Difference” had a lilting, plaintive quality.

In between performers, Scott hyped his label’s new Big Machine Vodka. You can sample and/or buy it at the BMLG store at 120 3rd Ave. S. He’ll feature it in a music fest at Indie’s Brickyard 400 in September.

Brett Young and Midland and Carly Pearce were all brought to the top of the charts with debut singles by the aggressive BMLG team. Brett sang his debut song, the percolating “Sleep Without You,” as well as his two succeeding No. 1 hits. “Like I Loved You” was steadily driving and full of tension. His triple Platinum “In Case You Didn’t Know” was dreamy and swooning. It became the country wedding anthem of last year.

“Thank you for the platform that you give us,” he told the radio folks. “I feel very, very grateful that y’all took a chance on me.”

Former American Idol winner Trent Harmon has been woodshedding as a songwriter in Nashville and was ready to show the results. “Her” was an intense, slow-burning blues. His super-melodic pop tune “I Think You Got ‘Em All” was even better. His powerful vocal delivery of it earned him the day’s only standing ovation.

“This is why we do this, right?” commented Scott about his leather-lunged artist’s stunning reception.

The reunited Sugarland closed the show with a vivacious mini set of its oldies “Baby Girl” (2004), “All I Want to Do” (2008), “Something More” (2005) and “Stuck Like Glue” (2010). The group’s finale was its stirring new single “Still the Same.”

“So many memories are made during this week,” Scott accurately observed.

Prior to the label luncheon, indie artist Kaylee Rutland serenaded the waiting crowd with a spirited set of tunes. She was backed by her tight, five-piece band featuring twin lead guitars.

Mixing and mingling on Wednesday afternoon around the Omni Hotel “campus” of this year’s CRS were Tony Jackson, Scott Hendricks, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Drew Bennett, John Schneider, Chuck Aly, Jamie O’Neal, Larry Vincent, Stephanie Quayle, Bob Paxman, Drew Baldridge, Cindy Watts, Daniel Hill, Tom Roland, Ben Vaughn, Chuck Dauphin, Allison Jones and Preshias Harris.

Halfway To Hazard Joins Nine Dates On Montgomery Gentry Tour

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Country duo Halfway to Hazard will join Eddie Montgomery on the road for several dates on the Montgomery Gentry “Here’s To You” tour. Members David Tolliver and Chad Warrix were longtime friends of fellow Kentuckian Troy Gentry, who passed away following a helicopter crash last September. Halfway to Hazard will open nine shows for Montgomery, beginning Friday (Feb. 9) in Columbia, Missouri.

“It’s really hard to capture all the emotions I’m feeling with the anticipation of opening for MG this year,” says Warrix. “Troy will be so heavy on all our hearts. Eddie and the guys can use our shoulders to lean on if they need em. Lord knows we will need theirs.”

“Troy was one of our best friends, and we miss him everyday,” adds Tolliver. If we can honor him and help keep his music alive we are gonna do it. I’m so happy to be going out with Eddie and playing shows. It just feels like something we are supposed do, and I can’t wait.”

Montgomery Gentry “Here’s To You” Tour Dates Featuring Halfway to Hazard:
Feb 9 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
Feb 10 – Springfield, IL – Boondocks
Feb 23 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon
Mar 23 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City
Mar 24 – Augusta, GA – Country Club Dance Hall and Saloon
May 18 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center
May 19 – Fredericksburg, VA – Celebrate Virginia After Hours
July 27 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
July 28 – Bar Harbor, ME – Criterion Theatre

Brian Wright Adds Executive VP/A&R Stripes At Universal Music Group Nashville

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Universal Music Group Nashville has promoted Brian Wright to Executive Vice President of A&R for the label group which is comprised of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville.

Wright joined Universal Music Group Nashville over 17 years ago and previously served as Senior Vice President of A&R.  He will continue to oversee A&R initiatives for UMG Nashville’s artist roster. Wright was instrumental in such critically-acclaimed albums as Jamey Johnson’s Lonesome Song, Lee Ann Womack’s There’s More Where That Came From and George Strait’s Troubadour, Jon Pardi’s California Sunrise and Chris Stapleton’s Traveller as well as From A Room Vol. 1 and From A Room Vol. 2.

“We are nothing if we are not a company based on solid A&R principles,” says Mike Dungan, Chairman and CEO Universal Music Group Nashville. “From the minute I arrived at UMG it was apparent that Brian was a top-notch A&R executive and we are proud to recognize his leadership with this promotion to EVP.”

“I am blessed to work alongside the best team in the music business,” said Wright. The ability to develop talent and make records that last forever has always been a passion that drives me.  Mike, thank you for being an extraordinary mentor.  You have built a legacy on great artists, songs and most importantly people. I am humbled to be part of the best label anywhere!”